Home > Finding Calm in the Psalms
New content is added here each week. Scroll down to learn more about this initiative. You are welcome to join at any time throughout the cycle (ends Nov. 4).
The Psalms Cycle
Every Friday, listen in on the conversation between Rabbis Andrew Kaplan Mandel and Nicole Auerbach (and the occasional guest), exploring meaningful messages from the weekly psalms.
Psalms 1-3 | Theme: Reliance | Video Reflection |
Psalms 4-8 | Theme: Accountability | Video Reflection |
Psalms 9-13 | Theme: Distress | Video Reflection |
Psalms 14-18 | Theme: Righteousness | Video Reflection |
Psalms 19-23 | Theme: Sincerity | Video Reflection |
Psalms 24-28 | Theme: Guidance | Video Reflection |
Psalms 29-33 | Theme: Power | Video Reflection |
Psalms 34-38 |
Theme: Physicality | Video Reflection |
Psalms 39-43 | Theme: Hope | Video Reflection |
Psalms 44-48 | Theme: Kingship | Video Reflection |
Psalms 49-53 | Theme: Contrition | Video Reflection |
Psalms 54-58 | Theme: Betrayal | Video Reflection |
To join in the next reading of Psalms, join one of our virtual communities!
Learn from musicians and poets who have transformed the psalms into their own unique creations to soothe and uplift our hearts.
Reading the Psalms, a treasure trove of Biblical poetry and prayer, has long been Judaism’s antidote for trying times. Over three seasons in this challenging year of 2024, Central congregants and clergy will embark on an interactive text-ploration of all 150 Psalms – together.
Beginning April 9, you are encouraged to read a Psalm every day (Sunday-Thursday). Here's how:
In addition, each Friday beginning April 12, this webpage will feature a new recording by Rabbis Andrew Kaplan Mandel and Nicole Auerbach, engaging in a deep dive of the week's psalms, often with special guests. Musicians, theologians, and poets will weigh in on the modern relevance of these ancient texts and pose critical questions for discussion.
As the launch for our six-month journey to read the entire Book of Psalms, Cantor Dan Mutlu offered insights about the history of Biblical music -- and shared his unique and stirring rendition of "The Lord is My Shepherd." Rabbis Andrew Kaplan Mandel and Nicole Auerbach explained how members of our community can participate in the "Finding Calm in the Psalms" exploration through November.
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You’re invited to listen in to each week’s conversation recording, posted on this webpage. And, if you’re part of The Neighborhood, share your Psalms reflections in the 929 group.
Yes, you’re welcome to join at any point in the cycle.
Learning in chevruta is the practice of studying Jewish texts in partnership. Chevruta partners decide how frequently they wish to connect and whether to do so by phone, Zoom, text message, or in person.
Learning in chevruta is an optional way to elevate your Psalms experience. If you would like to be paired with a chevruta partner, complete the interest form in the Central Square Psalms group.
Rabbi Andrew Kaplan Mandel will be joined by his own chevruta partner, Rabbi Nicole Auerbach, as well as a host of guests: musicians Ellen Allard, Cantor Jordan Franzel, Rabbi Shefa Gold, Cantor Becky Mann, Danny Maseng, Chava Mirel, Cantor Dan Mutlu, Dan Nichols, Cantor Charles Osborne, Cantor Jenna Pearsall, Danya and Eyal Rivlin, Hollis Schachner, Cantor Josh Warshawsky, Cantor Natalie Young, as well as Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes, Rabbi Hilly Haber, Rabbi Debra Robbins, Rabbi Jade Sank Ross, and Rabbi Mo Salth.
No worries, “Finding Calm in the Psalms” is designed to be adaptable to your lifestyle—feel free to get creative in how you choose to participate. Also, Rabbi Mandel and Rabbi Auerbach will be summarizing what they have read in their weekly recording, if you want to catch up.
We hope you will support Central Synagogue this High Holy Day season. Contributions to Central Synagogue have a major impact on all of our work, helping make possible our worship services, music, livestream broadcasts, and so much more. Thank you for being part of our Central Synagogue family.